Love Lane

   1) A parcel of land and garden called "la Lovelane," in parish of St. Christopher, in the ward of Bradestret given to the rector of that church, 1357 (Ct. H.W. I. 699).

   Shop in Love Lane mentioned 17 Ed. III (1343) (Cal. L. Bk. F. p. 85).

   Not further identified.

   2) South out of Eastcheap, at No. 18, to 25 Monument Street (P.O. Directory). In Billingsgate Ward.

   Prior to the formation of Monument Street, Love Lane was longer and extended south to Lower Thames Street.

   Earliest mention: 1394. "Love lane" formerly called "Roppelane" near Billingsgate (Ct. H.W. II. 311). Lane formerly called "Roperelane" and now called "Love lane," in parish of St. Mary atte Hille, 1458 (ib. 536).

   Stow says the lane was of old called "Roape Lane," and since "Lucas lane" of one Lucas, owner of some part thereof and now corruptly called "Love Lane" (S. 211).

   He does not give any authority for the statement that it was called Lucas Lane, and as the name does not appear in any early records, whereas "Love Lane" does, Stow may be in error as to this.

   It is interesting to note in connection with the name "Love Lane," that about the year 1377 in an ordinance for safeguarding the City, the Alderman of Billynges-gate Ward was to guard the wharf of Reynold Love up to Billinges-gate. It does not seem to be at all impossible that the change of name from "Roper" to "Love" Lane may have been made about this time, and that the lane may have been renamed after this family, if, as seems likely, they were possessed of considerable property in the neighbourhood.

   It has been suggested that this lane was named corruptly after John Lovekyn, M. 1348, 1358, contracted into Lukin and Lukins, and later converted into Lucas (N. and Q. 10th S. v. p. 302-3-4).

   Fragments of Roman bricks found in 1774 on the east side of the lane during excavations for the erection of a sugar-warehouse and at a higher level, namely 14 or 15 ft. below the level of the street, old Saxon coins were discovered (Arch. IV. 356).

   3) On the east side of Coleman Street near King's Alley (S. 286). In the ward of Colemanstrete, 1339 (Ct. H.W. I. 434).

   In another Will it is described as in the street called "la Elde Jurie," 1336 (ib. 412).

   In the parish of St. Olave in Old Jewry, 36 H. VIII. 1544 (L. and P. H. VIII. XIX. Pt. 1, p. 505).

   Not named in the maps.